I am writing this petition to address a deeply concerning issue that affects the lives of countless individuals across our nation. It is time to end qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that shields law enforcement officers from being held accountable when they violate someone's constitutional rights or cause harm through their actions. This unjust protection undermines justice, erodes trust in our law enforcement agencies, and perpetuates a culture of impunity.

My personal story drives my determination to seek change. On Wednesday night, February 6, 2019, my mother was tragically murdered by police officers at a church while they were restraining her during a mental health crisis. She desperately needed medical help and instead faced violence from those who should have protected her. This devastating loss has left an indelible mark on my life and compels me to advocate for justice on behalf of not only my mother but also all those who have suffered due to qualified immunity.

Qualified immunity grants law enforcement officers broad protection against civil lawsuits even when their actions clearly violate someone's constitutional rights or result in severe harm or death. This legal shield prevents victims and their families from seeking rightful compensation and denies them the opportunity for accountability.

It is crucial to recognize that holding law enforcement accountable does not undermine the essential role they play in maintaining public safety; rather, it ensures that those entrusted with immense power are responsible for upholding the principles enshrined in our Constitution.

To support this petition further, let us examine some relevant facts:

1) According to data compiled by Reuters between 2005-2020, over 99% of civil cases involving police misconduct were dismissed due to qualified immunity.
(Source: Reuters)

2) A study conducted by Yale Law School found that qualified immunity has significantly hindered victims' ability to hold police officers accountable for excessive use of force.
(Source: Yale Law School)

3) The lack of accountability resulting from qualified immunity perpetuates a cycle of violence and misconduct, as officers are less likely to face consequences for their actions.
(Source: Cato Institute)

It is evident that qualified immunity has created a system where law enforcement officers can act with impunity, disregarding the rights and safety of individuals they are meant to protect. This must change.

We call upon lawmakers at all levels of government to take immediate action to end qualified immunity. By doing so, we can ensure that victims and their families have the opportunity for justice, accountability, and meaningful compensation when their constitutional rights are violated or harm is caused by law enforcement officers.

Together, let us work towards a future where no one is above the law and where our communities can trust that those entrusted with power will be held accountable for their actions. Sign this petition today to demand an end to qualified immunity and support justice for all.